June 28, 2024
Embrace the Magic of Ireland This Summer and Fall
Simply put, Ireland may be one of the few places in Europe where outstanding accommodation can still be found this summer and into fall. I can find availability in some of the country’s most magnificent castle hotels and stunning properties across the Emerald Isle.
May I suggest the always popular scenic drives up the dramatic, windswept coastlines of the Wild Atlantic Way or along the ring of Kerry in the south? Both are packed with villages, castles, and ancient ruins to explore. Don’t miss Skellig Michael in County Kerry—a craggy island just off the coast that’s famous for its early Christian monastery and as a filming location in Star Wars (The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi).
In Northern Ireland, learn more about the world’s most famous shipwreck at the Titanic museum in Belfast, and if you’re a fan of Netflix’s Derry Girls, a set-seeing tour (including enormous wall murals of the cast) is a great way to take in some of the history of the Troubles while admiring the area.
Also in Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway is a World Heritage Site an hour’s drive from Derry on the tip of the island. This natural wonder will take your breath away – just imagine thousands of large polygonal columns of basalt aligned to perfectly form a path.
In Dublin, whisky drinkers looking for an immersive experience may not want to leave the city since they’ll find five distillers devoted to their tipple: Pearse Lyons (set up in a church), the Teeling Whisky (the city’s first new distillery in 125 years), Dublin Liberties, a craft whisky distiller, Jameson’s iconic copper stills on Bow Street, and last but not least: Roe & Co, which sets up shop beside the Guinness Storehouse (so you can follow your whisky tasting with a Guinness tour chaser).
When you’re ready to fly home, not only do many North American cities have direct flights to/from Dublin, but the airport has a U.S. Customs preclearance process, which means American travelers enjoy a smoother and quicker re-entry Stateside.
